Rayna Christianson never expected to experience a coaching change going into her senior volleyball season at Lakeville North.

One of the nation’s top setters and a Creighton recruit, Christianson saw her mentor, Jackie Richter, depart to become a Division I assistant at St. Thomas this year. She was replaced by Champlin Park’s longtime coach, John Yunker.

“Jackie helped me so much with becoming a better player and better person on the court,” Christianson said. “She kind of made me love the sport of volleyball.”

Yunker, who spent 14 years at Champlin Park, had no intention of replacing Richter when the job first opened. Still, he had always encouraged players not to be afraid of new challenges.

“There were no hard feelings with anybody when I left,” Yunker said. “They understood sometimes you have to try something different and need a reset. The Lakeville community coaches, players and families have been very welcoming. I’m excited to go.”

Three years ago, Yunker was in a coma after having open-heart surgery, but he recovered to coach for the 2023 season. Richter was one of his peers who reached out to show support during his health scare.

Richter, a 2017 state champion, is a member of the Minnesota Volleyball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Yunker’s résumé is also impressive, with eight state appearances, including the 2018 Class 3A title. Champlin Park finished as Class 4A runner-up to Lakeville South last year.

“Coach Yunker has demonstrated his excellence throughout the years by leading a successful high school program,” Richter said. “I’m confident he will continue to elevate the Panther volleyball program to the next level.”

Yunker coached Gophers freshman and Star Tribune All-Minnesota Player of the Year Carly Gilk last season with the Rebels. A top candidate to win Miss Volleyball this season, Christianson enters her final season at Lakeville North after winning a USA Volleyball junior national championship with the Northern Lights 17U team in July.

“We have a really good coach,” Christianson said of Yunker. “I’m super excited. I have one year with him, so I’m excited to get to know him. I’ve heard so many good things about him.”

Christianson has some experience working with Yunker, from when they crossed paths at a college camp during her sophomore year. The bigger connection is with her future school. Creighton assistant Izzy Ashburn, a former Wisconsin setter, played for Yunker at Champlin Park.

“It’s coming full circle,” Yunker said. “I’m going to pass her on to one of my former players, so that is fun to do. I kind of laugh because I guess this means I’m getting older.”

Entering the first week of practice, Lakeville North is ranked No. 2 in the Class 4A preseason poll behind defending champion Lakeville South. Champlin Park isn’t in the top 10

Still, the Panthers expect a challenge hosting Champlin Park on Aug. 21 at home, the eighth straight year they’ll meet to open the season. Yunker lost to Richter and Christianson 3-2 in the season opener last year, but the Lakeville North-Champlin opener will have a much different feel this time around. His former assistant, Amy Fonoti, is the new Rebels coach.

“It’s probably a little bit easier for me that it’s at Lakeville,” Yunker said. “It’s the same two teams who have played the same opening match for years. Although, I’ll be coaching against girls on the other side of the net who I’ve seen growing up as volleyball players at Champlin. The first one will be interesting for sure. A little awkward and strange, but I’m looking forward to it. It will be fun.”